PM gives relief package for rain-hit areas of Balochistan

GWADAR/ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday unveiled a relief package for the people of rain-hit areas of Balochistan, announcing Rs2 million each for the families of deceased, Rs0.5 million for injured and Rs750,000 for those whose houses were completely damaged.

The prime minister, who arrived in Gwadar the very next day of his oath, told the media after visiting the rain-affected areas that the government would give Rs350,000 compensation each to the families whose houses were partially damaged in the rains of February 26. Accompanied by Balochistan Chief Minister Sarfaraz Bugti and parliamentarians including Atta Tarar and Jam Kamal Khan, he promised that the government would not leave the suffering people alone unless they were resettled in their homes.

In a briefing, he was told that five people were killed in rain-related incidents across Balochistan, though no casualty was reported in Gwadar. The prime minister sympathized with the bereaved and assured that the compensation package would be implemented within four days. He lauded Sarfaraz Bugti for his efforts, who had rushed to the affected areas soon after his oath and supervised relief and rescue operations. “This is not a favour. This is the duty of the newly-elected government and the prime minister. This is neither any favour nor any show-off,” he remarked.

Shehbaz appreciated the Pakistan Army, Pakistan Navy, Coast Guards, PDMA and NDMA for their efforts and recommended the chief minister to award them medals and commendation certificates. He recalled that following the 2022 floods, the coalition government had distributed Rs100 billion among the affected people across the country.

Earlier, the prime minister distributed cheques and relief goods including food items, blankets, water coolers and other items among the affected people. Interacting with the victims, he said: “You are our brothers and sisters. I am here to assure you that the government will not leave you alone. We are with you. How could I sit in Islamabad when you are homeless?”

The prime minister was told that water was receding and the situation in the affected cities was improving. Water filtration plants have been set up and medicines are available for homeless people.

Assuring the government’s all-out efforts for the rescue and relief of rain-hit people in Gwadar and south Balochistan, Shehbaz directed the authorities concerned to formulate a report based on the assessment of damages to private properties. The prime minister, who was given a briefing about damages as well as relief operations, called for a comprehensive plan for the rehabilitation of victims of heavy rains. During the flight, he was briefed by NDMA Chairman Lt Gen Inam Haider Malik on the damage caused by rains in Gwadar and south Balochistan and the ongoing relief operations. He was also given a briefing on the damages and measures to help the victims in other areas of the country.

Shehbaz emphasized that an early warning system be developed to detect natural calamities, using modern technology and satellites. Besides, he said, a plan should be formulated and presented for the rehabilitation of victims. “No effort should be spared in rescuing and helping the victims,” he stressed.

Earlier on Monday night, the PPP top leadership in a meeting with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif assured full support to the government for economic stability, progress and prosperity of the country. A PPP delegation led by former president Asif Ali Zardari and PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari met Shehbaz at the Prime Minister’s House. Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah was also present. Senator Ishaq Dar, Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar and former Punjab caretaker chief minister Mohsin Naqvi also attended the meeting.

“The delegation congratulated Shehbaz on assumption of responsibilities of prime minister and conveyed well wishes to him,” a statement issued by the PM Media Wing said. The PPP leaders assured that their party was standing by the government for economic stability, progress and prosperity of the country.

Shehbaz thanked Allah Almighty as well as the people of Pakistan for giving him another opportunity to serve Pakistan. He expressed gratitude to the coalition parties in the parliament for reposing trust in him, reiterating his resolve to work tirelessly for the country’s progress and prosperity.

Meanwhile, world leaders, including the United Nations secretary general, felicitated Shehbaz Sharif on assuming the office of prime minister and wished prosperity to Pakistan.

In his message on behalf of UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the United Nations looked forward to continue cooperation with the country on a wide array of issues. Russian President Vladimir Putin, in his message of felicitation, highlighted the friendly nature of Russia-Pakistan relations. He wished Shehbaz every success in his important capacity as the head of the government. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning, at a regular press briefing in Beijing, hoped that Pakistan under the leadership of Shehbaz Sharif could achieve a greater accomplishment for the cause of national development. He commended a positive statement of Shehbaz on China-Pakistan relations and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor.

In a post on X, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi greeted Shehbaz on taking oath as the prime minister. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in a cable message, wished Shehbaz success and the people of Pakistan prosperity. Qatar Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani and Deputy Amir Sheikh Abdullah bin Hamad Al-Thani, in their separate messages, wished Shehbaz success and for growth of bilateral relations. Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan telephoned Shehbaz and expressed his belief that relations between Turkiye and Pakistan would expand. Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, in his message of felicitation, expressed determination to strengthen the relationship between both Islamic brotherly countries. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim telephoned and felicitated counterpart Shehbaz Sharif on taking the oath of office. He also expressed good wishes for PMLN Quaid Nawaz Sharif upon which Shehbaz thanked him. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas expressed his best wishes for Shehbaz and the nation. He prayed for the development of Pakistan. Tajikistan President Emomali Rahmon emphasized that through joint efforts, both countries would expand the long-term bilateral partnership. Kenyan President William Samoei Ruto, in a message on X, said Kenya looked forward to working with the newly-elected prime minister of Pakistan in escalating bilateral ties for the prosperity of the people of the two countries. US Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome, in his message on X, said his country looked forward to working closely with the new government and people of Pakistan on mutual interests.